OPTICON Resolution 1: OPTICON endorses the scientific importance of
an
elite Europe-wide fellowship programme in astrophysics, and fully supports
the efforts of P. Benvenuti to develop such programmes.

OPTICON Resolution 2: OPTICON recognises the scientific potential of
efficient access to well-calibrated astronomical archive data across
all wavelengths. OPTICON appoints an Archive Working Group to: define
the minimum to optimal requirements for the scientific operability of
an Archive as a research tool; review existing Archives against
these requirements and issue a *scientific operability* certificate
for those meeting them and advise others about necessary improvements;
maintain a link with the EC AstroVirTel programme and recommend the
development of new tools on the basis of the scientific requirements
of its approved archival proposals; consider the financial implications
when developing its recommendations. A goal of the WG is to develop a
proposal for the EU to implement its recommendations. P Benvenuti,
ST-ECF, is delegated as Chair.

OPTICON Resolution 4: OPTICON accepts that enhancements in
scientific productivity and operational efficiency may result from
coordinated infrastructure developments, especially in forthcoming
software systems. OPTICON appoints a common infrastructures working
group, to consider the viability of joint developments in at least:

i. wide-field surveys;

ii. interferometry, in relation to the next generation of facilities
(VLTI etc.);

iii. Multi-Object Spectroscopy;

iv. Adaptive Optics imaging and spectroscopy;

v. pipeline processing of data. ESO is delegated to nominate possible
Chairs, in agreement with the OPTICON Chair.

OPTICON Resolution 5: OPTICON notes the changing role and scientific
opportunities for medium size telescopes, and in particular the
potential scientific and operational benefits of their
coordination as a European-wide Large Scale facility. OPTICON
appoints an Opportunities for Medium-sized Telescopes working group,
to consider way in which coordinated operation can enhance efficiency
and open access to extant facilities, with the goal to produce
explicit plans and proposals for action.

OPTICON Resolution 6: OPTICON strongly supports and encourages
developments of future large-scale astronomical facilities, in
particular an extremely large optical/IR ground-based
telescope. OPTICON establishes a Science Case for the Extremely
Large Telescope WG, with a goal of developing a draft case by May
2001. The activity will be under the general overview of R. Gilmozzi
(ESO), with the Chairman and A Renzini providing Europe-based joint
support for the activities.

OPTICON Resolution 7: OPTICON fully supports the development by Drs
Benvenuti, Genova and Quinn of a proposal, coordinated by ESO, to seek
EU RTD funding for a study leading to a detailed implementation plan
for the Astrophysical Virtual Observatory (AVO).

OPTICON Resolution 8: OPTICON resolves to establish a Working Group to
investigate fields where EU RTD resources, in collaboration with
industry, might help meet the technology requirements of the
optical/IR programme in Europe. Members are asked to submit
nominations for a chairman and membership to the OPTICON chairman who
would establish the group.